THE COMBINED voices of more than 2,000 children and their teachers reverberated through Birmingham’s Symphony Hall as schools took part in a city-wide project to promote music with young people.

Pupils from more than 20 primary schools took part in the Sing Up event which was organised by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

The year-long scheme culminated in performances this week in front of parents at the city-centre venue. Eight-year-old Jake Whitmarsh, a Year 4 student at Cotteridge School, and one of the children who took part, said: “It was fun, it was great practising with my friends.

“I’ve been singing in my bedroom to practice.

“When it first started I enjoyed it but I got more into it as it went on. I never thought I would be taking part in a big concert like this. It was very, very exciting.”

Julian Wilkins, the CBSO conductor who led the children’s performance, said: “It was absolutely fantastic, all the children and all the teachers were great. They worked so hard and you can hear that when you hear them singing.

“All the children threw themselves into every song. I always knew it was going to be brilliant because the quality of the songwriting was so brilliant and that’s what inspires the young singers to really give their best.

“Singing is the cheapest musical instrument we’ve got and for many people it can be their first taste of music, it’s the thing that really builds self esteem at school.

“The teamwork is great for them, it will pay dividends in the future.”

Rebecca Lawrence, who wrote the songs for the show, added: “For me, having sat at home and written the songs, to see them being sung by children and to see them smiling and their teachers beaming away and having the most incredible time was very touching.

“Some children just sing so naturally and others you have to cajole slightly, but once you find the key you hook them in. When you’re all together it’s the most incredible experience. These children will remember this for the rest of their lives.”